Don V. Lester, 92, formerly of 5231 Market Street, Warren, PA, died Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Rouse Warren County Home. He was born on September 27, 1923 in Guffey, PA, the son of the late Harold R. and Carrie Mae Stalker Lester. On June 1, 1946 in St. Joseph’s Church in Mt. Jewett, PA, he married Jennie “Jen” Frattali, who died on March 14, 2013. Don was a graduate of Hamlin Township High School, Hazelhurst, PA. He was a roustabout for the Forest Oil Company of Bradford, PA prior to serving in the U. S. Army during World War II as a radio operator, serving in Northern France. While in the service he earned the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was employed for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as an insurance agent and underwriter for 27 years retiring in 1976, at which time he started working for American General Life Insurance Company, retiring from there after 8 years. During his career as an insurance agent, Don was recognized by the Life Underwriter Training Council and National Association of Life Underwriters, making him a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow. He was recognized in 1966 with the National Quality Award from the National Association of Life Underwriters. In 1984 Don was inducted as a member of the One Million Club through American General and was also inducted in 1985 in the National Leaders Club. He was a member of the Conewango Valley Country Club where he and his wife were winners of the Mixed Members/Guest Golf Tournament in 1983 and 1995. Don was also a life member of the Warren Elks Lodge. He will be remembered for his clarinet playing throughout his life.
Don is survived by his son, Gary R. Lester and his wife, Penny Sweetland Lester, of Warren, PA, one brother, Galen C. Lester and his wife, Frances, of Rew, PA, an uncle, Clyde M. Lester of Hobbs, NM. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, H. Richard Lester.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA, on Friday, October 16, 2015 from 5pm to 7pm and on Saturday from 11am until 12Noon at which time a memorial service will be held with Rev. Marcus Briggs, Chaplain of the Rouse Home, officiating. Members of the Warren Elks Lodge will conduct their funeral ritual at 6:45pm Friday. Interment will be in Hale Cemetery, Akeley, PA. Those wishing to place a memorial may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA, 16365, or to Friends of the Rouse, 701 Rouse Avenue, Youngsville, PA 16371. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Gary & Penny: I’m not sure if you will remember me, but I’m Alan McCullough. Please accept our sympathies in the loss of Gary’s father.
Hello Alan. It is nice to hear from you. I remember you, and your parents, very well. Your father was my 4th grade teacher (taught me the difference between “creek” and “crick”) and your mother was my speech therapist for the first 4 years of elementary school. I think my parents were sorry they ever worried about my refusal to talk the first years of my life. My mother said I made up for it ever since! Please give my regards to your parents. Are you in the area?
Thanks for your expression of sympathy–he was a great guy! Penny
Hi Penny & Gary! So glad to hear from you. Email me at alpatty08@comcast.net & I’ll fill you in on our lives.
Dear Gary,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Penny at this difficult time. He was a wonderful uncle to me when I was a little girl. So kind and soft spoken….and lots of fun to be around! He will be missed by all whose life he touched.
Sending my love to you and Penny.
Linda
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He used to come to our home when we lived on Rt. 957.
Nice man.
We learned of Uncle Don’s passing last night. Sorry Wanda and I can’t physically attend the funeral but we will be there in spirit, celebrating his good, long life. Your Dad was a nice man, a good guy. he will be missed.